2008 Los Angeles Auto Show photo gallery
ABOUT THE 2008/2009 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Two years ago, organizers moved the Los Angeles auto show to December, ahead of the shows in New York, Chicago and (most importantly) Detroit; last year they moved it back even earlier, and the 2008/2009 show will once again run in November, over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Last year's show had a limited number of world premieres owing to its early timing, but this year the automakers appear to have adjusted their schedules. Among the debuts are new versions of the Mazda3, Nissan 370Z and Cube, Lexus RX, BMW 7-series, Infiniti G convertible, and MINI's all-electric MINI E. Ford is showing the 2010 Mustang along with new versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, plus the Fusion and Milan hybrids.
WHEN TO GO
The Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the public Friday, November 21st through Sunday, November 30th, 2008.
Hours:
Friday, Nov. 21: 11 am - 10 pm
Saturdays: 9 am - 10 pm
Sundays: 9 am - 8 pm
Monday - Wednesday: 11 am - 10 pm
Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27): 9 am - 8 pm
Friday, Nov. 28: 9 am - 10 pm
Note: Entrance closes one hour prior to show closing.
Tip: The show tends to be packed wall-to-wall on the weekends. Go Monday through Friday during the day if at all possible -- and I'd venture to guess that Thanksgiving evening will be pretty empty.
Admission:
$10 for adults, children 12 and under free with a paid adult, seniors $7, but only through Thursday, Nov 27th. Coupons for $2 off an adult admission are available at 7-Eleven stores and many car dealers, but the coupons are only valid through Thursday the 27th. You can buy tickets online, but there is a 50 cent service fee per ticket.
HOW TO GET THERE
The LA Auto Show is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.Directions to the Los Angeles Auto Show
Parking is available at the convention center for $12 per day. There are several independent lots in the area, some less expensive, some more.
Tip: A cheaper alternative is to take public transportation; the Metro Blue Line train's Pico Station is a block away. Metro Rail information
WHAT TO SEE
South Hall
- CADILLAC: The 2010 CTS Sport Wagon is tucked back in a corner -- what a shame
- CHEVROLET: 2010 Camaro and 2009 Corvette ZR1 (not new, but I certainly never get tired of looking at them!), plus the 2011 Volt
- KIA: The 2010 Soul is one of my favorite cars at the show; Kia has a whole bunch on display
- MINI: All-electric MINI E
- NISSAN: The new Cube is one of the show's biggest stars, but don't forget the 370Z -- there are two on display
West Hall
- FORD: Mustang Alley is an extensive display devoted to the 2010 Mustang; there's also Fusion slot car racing and a Fusion Hybrid driving simulator
- LEXUS: The new IS-C is cool, and if the lines aren't too long, the IS-F driving simulator is worth a try
- PORSCHE: Easy to miss -- they actually have their own room across the way from the South Hall. Their extensive display includes the updated Boxster and Cayman as well as Jerry Seinfeld's 1955 RS Spyder
Concourse Hall
The Concourse Hall runs parallel to the corridor between the South and West halls. It's all drool-fodder in here, so be sure not to miss these highlights:
- LOTUS: New Evora
- FERRARI: Look for blue and red examples of the new California
See it all: 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show photo gallery
